For those considering private home care for the first time, it may be difficult to envision what that will look like on a daily basis. How will a caregiver integrate into your house and schedule, what tasks they will undertake and how might it affect day-to-day life?
You’re not alone in wondering about this but take comfort knowing that a caregiver will help with as little or as much as you need—from aiding clients with bathing and getting dressed to doing the laundry and grocery shopping, preparing meals, assisting with travel to doctor’s appointments and providing companionship. As with any change, it might take time to adjust to having a new person in your home, but clients typically discover the benefits far outweigh any worries they had about the transition.
Things to Discuss With Aging Parents
For families looking for private caregivers, a conversation with aging parents is the first step to allay their concerns. Make sure to research available options before bringing up the topic and start talking about home care solutions before a crisis makes it necessary. Have an open and honest discussion, listening to their feelings and sharing your concerns about the challenges of juggling your own life, work and their care.
Try to remain empathetic as it can be scary for aging parents to feel like they are losing control of their independence. Above all, work together to consider options so that they are part of the decision-making process, thus retaining some control in their own life. You might suggest hiring a caregiver on a trial basis so that you can have some time off; this experience often helps loved ones realize that hiring an outside caregiver is nothing to fear.
When starting the search, consider these tips for finding the right caregiver. Friends or family members might provide personal referrals or your parent’s doctor may be able to recommend a good caregiver, but a reliable referring service simplifies the process by conducting background checks and carefully vetting its caregivers in other ways. Make sure to hire a company with caregivers who are not only professionally trained but also bonded and insured. When hiring a company, check them out online and talk to clients that have used their services to learn about their experience with the business.
What to Expect in a Home Care Evaluation
Once an agency is selected, the company will send a representative to conduct a home care evaluation to assess your parent’s needs, situation and preferences to create a personalized care plan and get to know you and other family members involved in your loved one’s care. After introductions and a walk-through of the home, they will sit down to discuss your parent’s medical history and current health status plus everyday services that might be needed such as meal preparation or light housekeeping.
A good agency will be respectful and ask about your loved one’s likes, dislikes and preferred routine—not only their needs—to learn more about them as a person. This is a positive sign as you want someone who is both skilled and compassionate, who will treat your loved one with dignity. Expect the representative to also ask about your reasons for wanting help, whether it’s to improve their health, provide support for the family or simply offer coverage while you’re on vacation.
Welcoming a Caregiver Into the Home
Before bringing a caregiver into your parent’s home, it’s important to make sure the living space is a safe, accessible and welcoming environment. This should include removing any potential trip-and-fall hazards like clutter on the floor or loose rugs and checking for adequate lighting throughout the house, perhaps installing motion-activated lights in areas that are frequently utilized. You might also add grab bars in the bathroom and near beds, or ramps to help going up and down stairs, as well as rearranging furniture to ensure a clear pathway. Any pets in the home also need to be cared for and not pose a safety risk to the caregiver. If possible, it’s considerate to provide a private room—with a bed, comfortable chair and storage—or at least a specific area for the caregiver to relax between tasks.
Also organize medications so they are accessible for the caregiver to help your loved one take them on time. If the caregiver will be helping with grocery shopping and the like, they will also need to have access to funds necessary to cover these expenses. When a caregiver starts working, make it a point to be there in person the first few times to help ease your parent into this new relationship. Clear communication about expectations and boundaries are key. Meet regularly and ask questions about their daily care—talking face-to-face with your parent and then, separately, with the caregiver to assess what’s working and what might need to be improved.
Easing into Private Home Care
As with any change, it might take time to get used to these new arrangements with a caregiver coming into the home, so it’s important to set realistic expectations for the adjustment period—both for your loved one and family members helping with their care. There may be some bumps along the way, but clear communication is vital to keeping the transition smooth and making any needed alterations as issues arise.
If you’re considering private home care for a loved one, FirstLight Home Care is here to help answer questions, provide guidance and create a personalized plan for your family. To learn more about our in-home care services, contact us today!